However, the ban was half of that given to the Liverpool striker Luis Suárez for racially abusing the Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, with the commission explaining the lesser ban was because the "racist insult was issued only once", as opposed to repeated use by Suárez.

Lord Triesman told the BBC: "It may be when you look at all the detail they thought there were reasons for [it]. I can't see it."

Terry is due to decide during the international break whether to appeal against his guilty verdict.

Lord Triesman added: "He is within his rights to appeal. My own view is that it would be more sensible to apologise and accept it's not a good standard.

"I just don't believe in this day and age that anybody can think that it's OK, and that you don't owe an apology, not least to the other player."